Around many cities of Thrace in northern Greece, near the borders with Bulgaria and Turkey, there have traditionally been industrial areas that have both been pioneers in the financial growth of the region and have secured jobs for a big part of its population. However, lots of businesses relocated to the Balkans or simply shut down operations due to financial strain. It is estimated that, from the 200 plants that were stationed in Thrace, roughly 30 are operating today. Today, the unemployment rate in the area is 40,7%.
